Furnishing temperature control system employing an electrochemical compressor

ABSTRACT

A heating/cooling system for furnishing employs an electrochemical heat transfer device. An electrochemical heat transfer device may be an electrochemical hydrogen compressor that pumps hydrogen into and out of a tank having a metal hydride forming alloy therein. The absorption of hydrogen by the metal hydride forming alloy is exothermic, produces heat, and the desorption of the hydrogen from the metal hydride forming, alloy is endothermic and draws heat in. An electrochemical hydrogen compressor may be configured between the tanks and pump hydrogen back and forth to form a heat transfer device. A heat exchange device may be coupled with the tank or may comprise the outer surface of the tank to transfer heat to an object or to the surroundings. A closed loop may be configured having two tanks and one or two electrochemical hydrogen compressors to pump the hydrogen in a loop around the system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/403,299, filed on January 11, and currently pending, whichclaims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 62/277,399 filed on Jan. 11, 2016, U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/288,417 filed on Jan. 28, 2016, U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 62/292,529, filed on Feb. 8, 2016, U.S.provisional patent application No. 62/297,123, filed on Feb. 18, 2016,U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/300,082, filed on Feb. 26,2016, U.S., and this application claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 62/303,300 filed on Mar. 3, 2016, U.S.provisional patent application No. 62/308,060 filed on Mar. 14, 2016,U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/315,664 filed on Mar. 30,2016, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/324,337 filed on Apr.18, 2016, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/326,532 filedon Apr. 22, 2016, and U.S. provisional patent application No.62/303,285, filed on Mar. 3, 3016; the entirety of each reference listedabove is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a heating/cooling system for furnishings, andmore specifically, to human contact furnishings including beds, chairs,couches, seats including vehicles seats. A vehicle seat includes seatsin motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, busses and the like and alsoincludes airplane seats, train seats, water craft seats, motorcycleseats, bicycle seats and the like.

Background

The function of heat pumps is to remove heat from a heat source orreservoir at low temperature and to reject the heat to a heat sink orreservoir at high temperature. While many thermodynamic effects havebeen exploited in the development of heat pumps and refrigerationcycles, one of the most popular today is the vapor compression approach.This approach is sometimes called mechanical refrigeration because amechanical compressor is used in the cycle. Any improvement inefficiency related to compressor performance can have significantbenefits in terms of energy savings and thus have significant positiveenvironmental impact.

Vapor compression heat pump cycles generally contain five importantcomponents. The first is a mechanical compressor that is used topressurize a gaseous working fluid. After proceeding through thecompressor, the hot pressurized working fluid is condensed in acondenser. The latent heat of vaporization of the working fluid is givenup to a high temperature reservoir, often called the sink. The liquefiedworking fluid is then expanded at substantially constant enthalpy in athermal expansion valve or orifice. The cooled liquid working fluid isthen passed through an evaporator. In the evaporator, the working fluidabsorbs its latent heat of vaporization from a low temperature reservoiroften called a source. The last element in the vapor compressionrefrigeration cycle is the working fluid itself.

In conventional vapor compression cycles, the working fluid selection isbased on the properties of the fluid and the temperatures of the heatsource and sink. The factors in the selection include the specific heatof the working fluid, its latent heat of vaporization, its specificvolume, and its safety. The selection of the working fluid affects thecoefficient of performance of the cycle. In an electrochemicalcompressor the electrochemical characteristics of a potential workingfluid is important. Fluids can be selected for active or passiveparticipation in the compression system. An active material is driventhrough the compressor in a reversible redox reaction whereas passiveworking fluids are moved through the compressor by association with theelectroactive species, in most cases H₂.

For a refrigeration cycle operating between a lower limit, or sourcetemperature, and an upper limit, or sink temperature, the maximumefficiency of the cycle is limited to the Carnot efficiency. Theefficiency of a refrigeration cycle is generally defined by itscoefficient of performance, which is the quotient of the heat absorbedfrom the sink divided by the net work input required by the cycle.

Any improvement in heat pump systems clearly would have substantialvalue. Electrochemical energy conversion is considered to be inherentlybetter than other systems due to their relatively high exergeticefficiency. In addition, electrochemical systems are considered to benoiseless, modular, and scalable and can provide a long list of otherbenefits depending on the specific thermal transfer application.

Dry sorption systems based on metal hydrides to provide heating andcooling, metal hydride heating and cooling systems (MHHCS), are known.The coefficient of performance of most single stage MHHCS systems havebeen below 0.5 through the 1990's. A decade or so later, coefficient ofperformance as high as 1.5 has been reported. Most recently, coefficientof performance above 2.5 or better has been shown which can be betterthan conventional vapor compression systems. A major challenge in thedevelopment or application of the MHHCS units has been the developmentand availability of low capacity (dry) hydrogen compressors that canoperate efficiently.

A traditional problem with mating electrochemical compressors to metalMHHCS units has been the need to provide dry hydrogen to the metalhydride units. Metal Hydrides are very sensitive to hydrolysis and anyamount of moisture in the hydrogen gas will accelerates the aging ofthese compounds. In addition, the materials used for storing thehydrides are generally made from low alloy steels that are sensitive toaqueous corrosion as well as to hydrogen embrittlement, and theinteractions between these two types of damage caused by the presence ofmoisture is a significant concern.

Electrochemical systems typically require water for proton mobility andtherefore provide a humidified hydrogen stream to the electrochemicalcompressor. Coupling an electrochemical compressor with a dryingoperation adds complexity and parasitic energy to the system, andincreases both the overall cost of the system and operational costs.

Metal hydride heat pumps as well as electrochemical compressors areknown devices with unique features and benefits. However, mating the twounits for proper operation for appliances is non-trivial. There arenumerous, sometimes subtle, often non-obvious elements that must beincorporated into systems to enable long-term, safe operation of anelectrochemical compressor driven metal hydride heat pump.

Therefore, there is a need for a low cost system and method to operate ametal hydride heat pump at low humidity levels

Temperature modified air for environmental control of living or workingspace is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such asentire buildings, selected offices, or suites of rooms within abuilding. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, the entirevehicle is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are manysituations, however, in which more selective or restrictive airtemperature modification is desirable. For example, it is oftendesirable to provide an individualized climate control for an occupantseat so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can beachieved. For example, an automotive vehicle exposed to the summerweather, where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for along period, can cause the vehicle seat to be very hot and uncomfortablefor the occupant for some time after entering and using the vehicle,even with normal air conditioning. Furthermore, even with normalair-conditioning, on a hot day, the occupants back and other pressurepoints may remain sweaty while seated. In the winter, it is highlydesirable to have the ability to warm the seat of the occupant quicklyto facilitate the occupant's comfort, especially where the normalvehicle heater is unlikely to warm the vehicle's interior as quickly.

For such reasons, there have been various types of individualizedtemperature control systems for vehicle seats. Such temperature controlsystems typically include a distribution system comprising a combinationof channels and passages formed in the back and/or seat cushions of theseat. A thermal module thermally conditions the air and delivers theconditioned air to the channels and passages. The conditioned air flowsthrough the channels and passages to cool or heat the space adjacent thesurface of the vehicle seat.

There are, however, drawbacks with existing temperature control systemsfor seats. For example, in particularly adverse conditions, it may takethe conditioned air a long period of time to heat noticeably the seat.In addition, while climate control systems that use thermal modulesprovide many advantages, they are relatively expensive and thus may notbe suitable for all applications.

In addition, current systems employ thermoelectric (peltier) systemsthat use exotic materials. For many years, the main three semiconductorsknown to have both low thermal conductivity and high power factor werebismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), lead telluride (PbTe), and silicon germanium(SiGe). These materials have very rare elements which make them veryexpensive compounds.

In addition, current systems employing thermoelectric (peltier) systemsexhibit very poor coefficients of performance (COP); typically under 1.This inefficiency is a significant drawback.

As seat heating applications increase to literally millions of units,both the poor performance, and raw material supply issues makeaddressing this problem a critical issue. Thus, there is a need for animproved temperature control apparatus for a climate control system forseats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a heating system employing anelectrochemical heating device for controlling the temperature offurnishing and more specifically to human contact furnishings includingbeds, chairs, couches, love seats, benches seats, vehicle seats, such asseats in a vehicle including cars. Vehicle seats may include seats inmotor vehicles such as cars, trucks, busses and the like, as well astrain seats, airplane seats, water craft seats, motorcycle seats,bicycle seats and the like.

Electrochemical Compressors are known to be able to heat and cool byemploying various refrigeration cycles such as water vapor compressionand/or absorption/desorption of hydrogen in metal hydride heatexchangers. A unitary construction of an electrochemical compressor withother components into a unitary heating and/or cooling device is usefulfor a number of different applications as a unitary heating or coolingelement.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention comprises a method forthermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly that includesactivating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneatha seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device andan electrochemical compressor based heating (and or cooling) element isactivated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacentthe seat assembly through a distribution system formed at leastpartially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heatingelement is deactivated.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises a climate controlledseat assembly that includes a seat cushion having an outer surface. Asupply passage extends through the seat cushion and includes an inlet. Adistribution system comprises at least one distribution passageconfigured to distribute air along the support surface of the seatcushion. The distribution system communicates with the supply passage. Aseat covering is positioned over the outer surface of the seat cushion.A heat source is positioned between the seat covering and the inlet tothe supply passage. A fluid module is operatively connected to the inletof the supply passage. The fluid module includes a fluid transfer deviceconfigured to move air between the distribution system and the supplypassage and a thermoelectric device configured to heat air moving thefluid module. A control system is configured to activate, upon receivingan input signal generated by a user, the fluid module to provide heatedair to the outer surface of the seat cushion and to activate the heatsource for a predetermined period of time.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises a seat cushion havinga front or top side configured to support an occupant and a generallyopposing rear or bottom side. Fluids passages extend through from rearor bottom side of the seat cushion to the front or top side of the seatcushion. A fluid module includes a fluid device configured to move fluidwithin the fluid passages and a thermal element configured only to coolfluid moved by the fluid device. A restive heater is disposed on thefront or top side of the seat cushion.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises a method for thermallyconditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly that includes a seatcushion that defines a support surface and seat covering that covers thesupport surface of the seat cushion. The method comprises, during aheating mode, activating a heating element positioned within the seatassembly to heat the space adjacent the seat assembly. During a coolingmode, cooled air is directed from a fluid module that includes athermoelectric unit and a fluid transfer device to the space adjacentthe seat assembly through a distribution system formed at leastpartially in the seat cushion to cool the space adjacent the seatassembly.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method forthermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly that includes aseat cushion that defines a support surface and seat covering thatcovers the support surface of the seat cushion. The method comprises,during a first mode, directing heated air from a fluid module thatincludes an electrochemical compressor unit and a fluid transfer deviceto the space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution systemformed at least partially in the seat cushion to heat the space adjacentthe seat assembly. During a second mode, a heating element positionedwithin the seat assembly between the seat covering and the fluid moduleis activated while directing heated air from the fluid module throughthe distribution system to heat the space adjacent the seat assembly.

In another aspect, a thermostat controlled mattress includes a mattressunit having an underlay, a surface cover and a curved circuit. A watercircuit tube connects to the curved circuit so as to allow water to beintroduced into the mattress unit with the aid of a pump. Water iscirculated between the mattress unit and a water storage box via thewater circuit tube. A sensor is operatively arranged with respect to thewater storage box to sense the temperature and quantity of watercontained in the water storage box and sends a signal to a thermostatelectric circuit. An aluminum reservoir for the water is connected tothe curved circuit of the mattress unit and the water circuit tube. Anelectrochemical compressor based heating or cooling element is connectedto the reservoir and the power supply to heat or cool the water. Wateris circulated in the water circuit tube between the curved circuit ofthe mattress unit and the water storage box, through the reservoir. Thewater temperature is controlled based on signals generated by thethermostat electric circuit, which activates the power supplyoperatively connected to the heating and/or cooling element. A heat sinkand a fan may be arranged adjacent to the heating and/or cooling elementsuch that the fan blows a current of air onto the heat sink.

Similar concepts are feasible for airplane seats, pet maintenancehousings and other devices that require controlled thermal systems foran underlayment.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detaileddescription of preferred embodiments which follow, when consideredtogether with the attached drawings and claims.

In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature control system forfurnishings utilizes an electrochemical compressor-driven metal hydrideheat pump system. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal hydride heatpump utilizes a dry hydrogen gas without excessive parasitic loads, suchas from a condenser. One advantage of these systems is the eliminationof Freon and other refrigerants that are a major environmental concern.Another advantage is the noiseless, and vibration free operation of thesystems. Finally, without the parasitic load of desiccation systems forthe hydrogen gas, the systems provide very high efficiencies (i.e. highcoefficients of performance), for many important applications.

The heat pump system utilizes the highly exothermic absorption ofhydrogen gas into a hydride-forming metal alloy or intermetalliccompound. Metal hydride (MH) formation is highly reversible, and theendothermic desorption of hydrogen from the metal hydride matrixrequires a heat supply approximately equal to the heat released duringhydrogen absorption. Both of these processes are represented by thereaction.

$\left. {M + {\frac{x}{2}H_{2}}}\leftrightarrow{{MH}_{x} + {\Delta\; H}} \right.$

where M represents the hydride-forming metal of choice.

In an exemplary embodiment, the device or system of the presentinvention comprises at least one electrochemical compressor (ECC) totransfer pressurized hydrogen between two packed beds of metal hydridematerial as shown schematically in FIG. 2. The heat and cold released bythe metal hydride bed during the adsorption/desorption process will beextracted by a working fluid circulating through a heat exchanger totransfer heat between the exothermic metal hydride reactor. Coupling anelectrochemical compressor with metal hydride packed bed reactorssummarily represents a solid-state heating technology with no movingparts and without the thermodynamic irreversibility associated withconventional vapor compression cycles, thereby enabling operationalefficiencies beyond Carnot cycle limitations. The only irreversibilityassociated with the electrochemical compressor and metal hydride packedbed system arises from the entropy produced in their respectiveundergirding electrochemical (hydrogen oxidation/reduction) and chemical(hydrogen absorption/desorption) reactions, thus allowing gains inefficiency that are unachievable with purely mechanical heating cycles.

The system of the present invention overcomes limitations inherent toprevious compressor-driven metal hydride heat pumps concepts thatengaged per-fluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) proton exchange membrane(PEM) design requiring alternating desiccation/rehydration of theHydrogen stream and flow circuit design^(1,2,3,4) The electrochemicalcompressor operates through electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrogen atthe anode side of a proton exchange membrane at low pressure, reductionof protons on the cathode side of the membrane to yield hydrogen at highpressure. PFSA membranes must remain well hydrated in order to maintainproton conductivity, and are also restricted to operating temperaturesto below 80° C. Consequently, the hydrated hydrogen stream exiting thecompressor must be desiccated (inherently non-continuous; and parasitic)since water vapor will denature the metal hydride bed by transforming itto a metal hydroxide.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electrochemical compressor utilizes anovel phosphoric acid-functionalizedpolybenzimidazole/polytetrafluoroethylene (PBI/PTFE) composite membranewhich has demonstrated markedly improved thermal and mechanicalstability over conventional per-fluorinated sulfonic acid PEMs at highertemperatures (100-200° C.) while maintaining acceptable protonconductivity. The use of ultra-thin, composite membranes for use inelectrochemical devices, such as electrochemical compressors, is taughtin pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/943,619, to Bahar, andentitled, Active Components And Membranes For ElectrochemicalCompression; the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.Composite membranes having a thickness of 25 μm or less, including 20,15 and even 10 μm or less are disclosed. These thin composite membranemay comprises polybenzimidazole (PBI) which does not require hydrationof the membrane as does PFSA membrane. PBI membranes are typicallyfunctionalized with phosphoric acid to provide proton mobility. Theimidazole rings are capable of functioning as a proton donor or protonacceptor. PBI membranes are also broadly chemical resistant and has highstrength and structural stability. Since the (PBI/PTFE) compositemembrane derives its proton conductivity from functionalization withphosphoric acid, the membrane is able to operate in a “dry state”,eliminating the need for desiccation of the high pressure hydrogen gasupstream of the metal hydride reactor. In an exemplary embodiment themetal hydride heat pump comprises an electrochemical compressor thatincorporates a composite PBI membrane that has a thickness of 25 μm orless, including 20, 15 and even 10 μm or less, and any range between andincluding the thickness values provided.

In another embodiment, a second class of membranes based on acombination of pyridine and polysulfone for electrochemical applicationsis utilized in the electrochemical compressor. Sold under the TPS brandby Advent Technologies, these pyridines and polysulfone materials areprovided as a raw extruded film. In an exemplary embodiment, thepyridine and polysulfone materials are made into composite membranes,such as by casting them on or into ultra-thin, strong, porousreinforcing material, such as ePTFE membrane (sold under the Gore-texbrand) by W.L. Gore And Associates, Newark, Del. A composite membrane,as described herein, may be thin, strong, and high performance andcapable of being functionalized with Phosphoric acid. A compositemembrane may comprise an integral reinforcing membrane, such as ePTFEmembrane, or may comprise reinforcing discrete elements, such as fibersthat are disposed on or into the ionomer material, i.e. PFSA, PBI or thecombination of pyridine and polysulfone.

Membranes comprising polybenzimidazole or combinations of pyridine andpolysulfone exhibit higher ionic resistivity than traditional ionexchange membranes of similar thickness, however, in thin compositeform, the films can be made almost an order of magnitude thinner andtherefore provide low overall resistance. The graph provided in FIG. 4shows some of the properties of the TPS films, again a combination ofpyridine and polysulfone. But most importantly, the films do notgenerally need water for proton conduction, and as a result can toleratedry hydrogen input and provide dry hydrogen output suitable for metalhydride storage. The membranes can be further modified to includetertiary components such as silica or zeolites that can further entrainmoisture (if any) or any other contaminants and ensure cleaner output(compressed gas).

It is important to recognize that metal hydride need specific pressuresto absorb hydrogen, and other specific pressures, generally lower thanthe absorption pressures to desorb the hydrogen. The ratio of theabsorption to desorption pressure Higher efficiencies are gained whenthe pressure ratio of the pressure of the output gas to the pressure ofthe incoming gas is minimized. In one embodiment, the pressure ratio ofthe electrochemical compressor is as high as 20 or more, or about 30 ormore, 35 or more and any range between and including the pressureratio's provided. However, lower ratios are better, and more efficient(i.e. require less power). Some metal hydrides such as for example (seeattached table) LiNi4.8AlO2 are reported to have P(low) of 2.47 atm anda P(high) of 35.84 atm i.e. a pressure ratio requirement of 14.51;another hydride Mm Ni(4.7) Fe(0.3) has a P(L) of 1.29 atm and a P(H) of12.14 i.e. a ratio of 9.41.

It is important to understand, that the metal hydride heating system, orheat pump described herein is not only interested in low pressure ratiometal hydrides (for highest efficiency) but also materials that haveheat/cool enthalpies (i.e. Kj/mol H2 absorbed or desorbed) and highhydrogen absorption, low density (weight), and also high recyclingcapacity.

For most appliance applications, literally thousands, perhaps as many asmillions of cycles are required. Novel and specific operating strategiesthat maximize metal hydride cycle life, are provided:

-   -   a. Where the metal hydride is not stretched to is physical        limits i.e. not to its lowest desorption pressure and highest        desorption pressure (i.e. pressure ratios less than their        reported absolute limits are used i.e. 90% or 80% or 50% of        their pressure limits). By doing this the medium is not expanded        or contracted to its full extent and therefore not compromised.        i.e. had its life shortened. In other words, the absorption and        desorption remains in the linear portion of the “vant hoff”        plots for the specific compound as shown in FIG. 13.    -   b. Hydrogen gas is fed in the driest state possible, such for        example inserting a desiccant system that is used less        periodically—perhaps not each time the system is cycled, but        once in a while, so that the parasitic load for desiccation is        minimized. A side loop or stream that can be opened and shut        periodically could be established with a desiccation system put        in place to effectively ensure the cleanliness of the hydrogen        gas.    -   c. Additives are added to the metal hydride such as        fluoropolymer powder or silica etc. (to those familiar with the        art) to enable hydrogen gas to access metal hydride media, but        to also allow for expansion and contraction without the hydride        powder bumping into each other and damaging adjacent particles.        Fluoropolymer particles or powder added to the metal hydride may        prevent metal hydride particles from fusing together and may        maintain a high surface area of hydriding.    -   d. Metal hydride powder could be packaged in tubes (such as        ePTFE tubes) and connected to a central mandrill and contained        in a uniform and consistent manner to allow for gas access, but        also stable containment without excessive movement and bumping        into other particles. While there are patents for similar        systems, they all use metal tubing. As described herein, porous        ePTFE tubes are provided (as well as other similar porous        materials) as an alternative containment system. The metal        hydride medium may be segregated inside narrow tubes, so that        not only the material is ‘separated’ from creating a large        ‘fused block’ but to also provide very high surface area for        heat exchange as well as a short distance to the metal hydride        material itself to improve heat exchange efficiency.    -   e. Another approach would be to put the metal hydride medium        inside a small canister that may have open ports, or inside an        expanded PTFE (ePTFE) tube, such as either in a continuous line,        or in small packets and then place these packets inside a larger        cylinder for hydriding and safe storage and handling. Expanded        PTFE tubes can be purchased from companies such as W.L. Gore &        Associates or Phillips Scientific. Any suitable permeable tubing        that can withstand the chemical and temperature requirements of        the metal hydride heat exchanger may be used. One benefit of the        ePTFE systems is that they can withstand thermal activity, not        only when the system absorbs hydrogen, but also, when the metal        hydride is initially preheated and prepared for the hydriding        system. Alternatively, plastic straws made of thermally        conductive plastic (such as those made by Celanese) may be used        to house the hydride material—rather than a porous medium, or a        metal tube, and then these straws can be connected to a header        for hydriding purposes. These tubes could be plugged with        stainless steel frit or porous plastic to ensure that the metal        hydride remains in the tube, while hydrogen can access it.    -   f. Metal Hydride housings may also be made using various layers        of conductive materials such as aluminum and thermal plastics,        etc. to avoid any hydrogen escape directly through the material        in question

In the most traditional of metal hydride heat pump systems (MHHCS), acompressor sits between two metal hydride tanks that are sequentiallyfilled and emptied with hydrogen. An electrochemical compressor'spolarity can be reversed, or multiple compressors can be used for this.

While this is obviously feasible, alternative configurations arefeasible, with say two different metal hydride compounds in differenttanks, or where the output from one hydride tank enters the input of theother tank (i.e. the P(I) of one tank is that P(H) of the other tank).This is termed a regenerative unit.

The benefit of a regenerative unit is that now the electrochemicalcompressor only needs to ‘pump’ in one direction from the P(l) of theLow (receiving tank) to the P(H) of the other tank. By not reversing thepolarity of the ECC, membrane and electrode life are maximized, andsystem reliability is retained. In an exemplary embodiment, the metalhydride heating system describe herein is a regenerative system, and mayfunction in a mode wherein the polarity of the ECC is NOT reversed,which may provide a better, more durable system.

In this context, one option for creating a high compression ratio froman electrochemical compressor, is to put multiple cells in series. In anormal compressor configuration, the cells are plumbed in parallel, butpowered in series. But where higher compression ratios are required forspecific metal hydrides or hydride tank configurations, MEA's can becombined i.e. plumbed in series initially in short trains, and then inparallel as usual. One benefit of short MEA trains is the exponentialincrease in pressure feasible. One important benefit of this system, isthat individual MEA's can be operated at lower discrete voltages i.e.closer to their Nernst potential, and then combined so that thecompressor as a whole can be operated at the bus voltages required byelectronics system employed for the specific appliance where the MHHCSis required.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first hydride portion or tank comprises ametal hydride that has a desorption pressure that is higher than anabsorption pressure of a second metal hydride contained within a secondmetal portion. The first and second metal hydride portions may beconfigured in series in a loop closed loop configuration of a metalhydride heat transfer system, or in parallel. In one embodiment a firstand second metal hydride portion having different metal hydrides thereinare configured on the same side of an electrochemical compressor and inanother embodiment they are configured on opposing sides of anelectrochemical compressor.

It is also important to recognize that the low pressure entering thecompressor can be sub-ambient or at least low enough that the hydrogengas may have problems being transported to the surface of theelectrode(s). Xergy Inc. has developed back ported and side ported celltechnology (patented in the past) that allows for low pressure feeds.These systems allow the MEA's to “breathe”. An exemplary metal hydrideheating system, as described herein, may operate at low pressures,utilizing low pressure absorption/desorption metal hydrides andbreathing design cells for use with metal hydride systems. Note thattraditional compressors (in the past) have been variants of automotivefuel cell designs with inlet ports place within bipolar plates. i.e. notside ported (at 90 degrees to the cells), but in the direction as thecell assembly plane.

One other novel improvement to MHHCS systems with ECC compressorsprovided herein, is the use of another side stream of input hydrogenfrom a small electrolyzer (generator) in connection with water, wherehydrogen is produced, put through the desiccant column and then added tothe MHHCS system to make up for any hydrogen that may be depleted overtime as it irreversibly complexes with metal hydride compounds. Oralternatively a small side cylinder of hydrogen can be provided for thispurpose.

The invention is directed to an electrochemical compressor-driven metalhydride heat pump system. In one embodiment, an electrochemicalcompressor, as described herein, comprises an electrochemical cell and aworking fluid consisting of hydrogen. The electrochemical cell iscapable of producing high-pressure gas consisting of anelectrochemically-active component, such as hydrogen.

A heating or cooling device, as described herein, comprises anelectrochemical hydrogen compressor or hydrogen compressors coupled toat least one tank, (preferably two) containing a packed bed of metalhydride-forming alloy, that may systemically be configured in thermalcommunication with an object to be heated, as shown in FIG. 2. A heatingdevice, as described herein, comprises an electrochemical compressorconfigured to control the pressure of hydrogen gas passing between atleast two metal hydride tanks. The absorption of hydrogen gas intosuitable metal alloy leads to the exothermic formation of a metalhydride, producing useful heat as shown in FIG. 1A. The endothermicdesorption of hydrogen gas is reversible, requiring about as much heatas that released by absorption, which thereby produces useful cooling,as shown in FIG. 1B.

In an exemplary embodiment, a working fluid comprises or preferablyconsists essentially of pure, dry hydrogen. In an exemplary embodiment,the working fluid consists of at least 90% hydrogen, or at least 95%hydrogen, or at least 99% hydrogen. The electrochemical compressorcomprises a membrane electrode assembly that comprises an anode, acathode, and a cation exchange membrane located between the anode andcathode.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cation exchange membrane comprises aphosphoric acid-functionalized polybenzimidazole/polytetrafluoroethylene(PBI/PTFE) composite membrane, however any cation exchange material maybe used that can operate at low humidity and high temperatures (100-200°C.) with high mechanical durability. The composite membrane may alsoinclude an additive such as silica to further assist in dry hydrogencompression. The anode and cathode comprise a catalyst suitable forrunning the reactions as described herein. At the anode, hydrogen isoxidized into protons and electrons. The protons are then transferredacross the cation exchange membrane to the cathode, where the hydrogenis produced through a reduction reaction. A power supply may be coupledto the anode and cathode to drive the reactions and transfer thehydrogen working fluid across the membrane electrode assembly atconstant volume, thereby pressurizing the hydrogen. A working fluidinlet is coupled with the anode, or anode side of the electrochemicalcompressor and a working fluid outlet is coupled with the cathode, orcathode side of the electrochemical compressor. An electrochemicalcompressor-driven metal hydride heating element further comprises atleast two tanks of metal hydride-forming material between which thecompressor passes the hydrogen. Heat transfer elements thermally coupledto the tanks, including but not limited to heat exchange coilscirculating a suitable heat transfer medium, can be used in conjunctionwith a circulator pump to transfer useful heat produced away fromwhichever metal hydride tank is exothermically absorbing hydrogen at themoment. The invention can be alternately used as a cooling unit bymodifying the heat exchange loop to transfer useful cooling from a metalhydride tank undergoing endothermic desorption.

The high pressure side of the compressor stream could be used to drive aturbine, to help in pumping the liquid in communication with the heatexchanges.

Note this system could be applied to a wide variety of applicationsalready disclosed such as hot water heaters, but also to very cool(cryogenic) type applications depending on the hydride selected.

Silica or other additives can be added to the membrane (to improveperformance). And the use of a composite ion exchange membrane certainlyadd to the ability of the system to withstand pressure difference

While the example provides for two hydride beds in communication with asingle compressor, one could potentially use two compressors as opposedto one, so you minimize valving and the compressor(s) can be operated atpressures above the low pressure and below the high pressure points ofthe hydride (to minimize hydride stresses and extend hydride life).Could be say 80% of the range.

In fact, it is preferable to use metal hydrides where the ratio of highpressure to low is minimized (i.e. more efficient system). And onehydride tank and a second non-hydride storage bottle(s) saving onexpensive hydride supply.

It is possible to use air for cooling, and the liquid loop for heatingpurposes in thermal communication with the hydride bed.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the tubular elements that containmetal hydrides are referred to as heat exchangers.

A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat between one or morefluids. The fluids may be separated by a solid wall to prevent mixing orthey may be in direct contact. It is important to recognize that heatexchangers can be classified in many different ways. For the purposes ofthis disclosure, heat exchangers are characterized into recuperative andregenerative types. Most appliances use recuperative type heatexchangers. A regenerative heat exchanger, or more commonly aregenerator, is a type of heat exchanger where heat from the hot fluidis intermittently stored in a thermal storage medium before it istransferred to the cold fluid. To accomplish this, the hot fluid isbrought into contact with the heat storage medium, then the fluid isdisplaced with the cold fluid, which absorbs the heat. A metal hydridecontainer may be considered a regenerative heat exchangers, as furtherdescribed herein. For example, a secondary working fluid may be used toexchange heat with the metal hydride heat exchanger for delivery toanother thermal reservoir as needed in the appliance in question. Asecondary working fluid, or heat exchange fluid, may be any suitablefluid including, but not limited to, water, ethylene glycol, or simplyair or a gas—as needed.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is a primary loop of anelectrochemical compressor driving a working fluid such as hydrogen intoa metal hydride bed (heat exchanger), and eventually (directly orindirectly) receiving the same fluid back to the electrochemicalcompressor, and a secondary loop of a secondary working fluid, or heatexchange fluid, that actually exchanges heat with the metal hydride heatexchanger and carries the heat from the heat exchanger to a secondarylocation, such as appliance.

In an exemplary embodiment, an electrochemical compressor and metalhydride heat exchanger or pump are configured in a hybrid hot watersystem. The heat pump may utilize ethylene glycol as the heat exchangefluid and the ethylene glycol may be pumped through or around a metalhydride heat exchanger and then into a hot water heater, where it is inthermal communication with water within the tank to heat the waterwithin the tank. A coil of tubing that transports the ethylene glycolmay be configured in the bottom of the hot water tank for heating thewater therein, for example. The ethylene glycol travels in a loop andreleases its heat to the water, and may optionally also exchange heatalso using classical air coil(s) with the environment.

Metal hydride beds, or heat exchangers may comprise of many differenttypes of hydrides and formulations. Depending on the appliance involved,the metal hydride formulation may be optimized for different temperature(and or pressure) regimes for the specific application. For example, forheating a system based on LaNi(4.8)Al(0.2) may be employed and forcryogenic cooling a system may employ TiCr(1.9). It is not uncommon inregenerative systems for metal hydride materials in different tanks tobe made of different alloys, and the output from one unit be used as theinput for another one. Also, it is entirely feasible that a secondaryloop, or heat exchange loop, for one tank (hydride heat exchanger) maybe different to the secondary loop for a second tank. i.e. one could beair cooled and another water cooled.

Virtually all metal hydrides are sensitive to contamination with water,therefore it is critical to ensure that the impact of water beminimized. One way to do this is to use a classical desiccant (waterremoval) system in line between the compressor and the metal hydrideheat exchanger, as described herein. However, desiccant may also beadded as a ‘topping’ layer to the metal hydride system, or even blendedin with the metal hydride to preferentially absorb the water. One knowndesiccant medium is silica, but there are countless other materials wellknown in the art. Desiccant media may also contain catalytic materialssuch as palladium or platinum that can accelerate water absorption orconversion of any contaminants in the hydrogen stream.

Tubes could be placed in shell and tube heat exchanger typeconfigurations, and water or ethylene glycol could be circulated in theshell, with baffles, to ensure high thermal transfer; and operation withminimal sensible heat loss.

Once the heat exchangers are established, clearly operating the hydrogencompressor, and configuration of the plumbing lines is vital for overallsuccessful operation.

Depending on what membrane is used, the electrochemical compressor mayneed to be preheated before start-up and some areas of the lines mayneed to be preheated too. Obviously, stacks can contain a layer of(flat) heating plate to help with start-up and temperature maintenance.This might be especially important on a cold day.

One benefit of a metal hydride heat pump is that the heat generated (orremoved) is cycled, and the rate of cycling determines the total wattageof heating or cooling available. Thus appliance operators can, setdifferent cycling rates for different points in an appliancesoperation—to ensure most efficient operation. Also, electrochemicalcompressors can be operated at different operating points.

Thus for example, in a hot water heater, the system can be cycledfrequently if there is a sudden high volume demand for hot water, orcycled slowly if the system is simply trying to maintain the tank at agiven temperature without any water demand.

Examples of plumbing configurations are provided. Note that in theseexamples, the compressor is always operating in the same direction.However, compressors can also operate with polarity being reversedinstead of using valves to control the direction of flow.

In an exemplary embodiment, an electrochemical compressors can beprovided with integrated secondary loop for heat exchange with the metalhydride. For example, plumbing of a secondary loop may be configuredpass through at least a portion of the bipolar plates. In addition, thebipolar plates may be designed to have integrated metal hydride beds toabsorb or desorb hydrogen and produce and receive heat. This integratedsystem reduces the potential for losses of hydrogen from connections andvalves, concentrates the heat exchanger around the compressor andreduces complexity. An integrated metal hydride heat exchanger may notrequire any valves. The whole unit can be made smaller; and integratedinto one hermetically sealed unit that performs all the key functionsrequired for heat exchange.

Exemplary bipolar plates of an integrated metal hydride heat exchangercan be made of two stamped metal plates, and laser welded on the seams.A secondary fluid or heat exchanger fluid can be ported in and out ofthe bipolar plates. The system can be filled with Hydrogen gas throughexternal porting and then simply supplemented with hydrogen when an ifnecessary. An integrated metal hydride heat exchanger may be designed tobe fully hermetically sealed or configured inside a hermetically sealedenclosure. An exemplary metal hydride heat exchanger may comprise aplurality of electrochemical compressor units in series. Hydrogen may bepumped one direction to produce heat and then reversed to draw heat fromthe heat exchange loop that is integrated into the system.

The summary of the invention is provided as a general introduction tosome of the embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to belimiting. Additional example embodiments including variations andalternative configurations of the invention are provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 shows metal hydride during absorption.

FIG. 2 shows metal hydride during desorption.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary process flow diagram.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary polarization curve.

FIG. 5 shows a graph of some of the properties of the TPS films.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic of an electrochemical cell of anelectrochemical pump.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary metal hydride heat pump.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show a cross-sectional views of a composite ionomermembrane comprising a reinforcing material.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic of an exemplary heat transfer systemcomprising a desiccation unit.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show schematics of a hydride portion wherein FIG. 12 isa side view and FIG. 13 is a cross-section along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows isotherms for metal hydrides.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an exemplary electrochemical heat transfer systemhaving two separate metal hydride portions and a desiccation unit.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show an exemplary electrochemical heat transfer systemhaving two separate metal hydride portions and series of valves to flowhydrogen from one metal hydride portion to the other.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary metal hydride heat exchanger having asecondary loop for transfer of heat from the metal hydride heatexchanger.

FIG. 20 shows a diagram of an exemplary integrated electrochemicalcompressor and metal hydride heat exchanger.

FIG. 21 shows a diagram of an exemplary integrated electrochemicalcompressor and metal hydride heat exchanger.

FIG. 22 shows a diagram of an exemplary integrated electrochemicalcompressor and metal hydride heat exchanger having a heat transfer fluidconduit configured through the cell.

FIG. 23 shows a diagram of an exemplary simplified end plate design foran electrochemical cell.

FIG. 24 shows an exemplary electrochemical stack having the cathodes ofadjacent cells configured adjacent each other.

FIG. 25 shows a diagram of an exemplary electrochemical cell havingintegrated cell channels and connections.

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate how an electrochemical compressor unit isintegrated into a vehicle seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent anillustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some featuresmay be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including.” “has.” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Also, use of “a” or “an” are employed to describeelements and components described herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention.This description should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meantotherwise.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are describedherein and are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodimentsdescribed are only for purposes of illustrating the present inventionand should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications,combinations and improvements of the described embodiments, will occurto those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments,combinations, modifications, improvements are within the scope of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, metal hydrides 42 release heat when hydrogenis absorbed and receives heat when the hydrogen is desorbed from themetal hydride. Absorption is exothermic, releasing heat, and desorptionis endothermic, conducting heat. The metal hydride may be a hydrideforming alloy 43, as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary electrochemical heat transfer system 19comprises an electrochemical heat transfer device 10 comprising anelectrochemical compressor 12, such as a hydrogen compressor, that iscoupled to at least one metal hydride reservoir 40 that contains a metalhydride-forming alloy 43, such as in a packed bed. The metal hydridereservoir is in thermal communication with heat exchanger 47, or with anobject to be heated. The metal hydride reservoir or housing, or portionthereof, may be a heat exchanger 47 and be in thermal communication withan object to be heated or cooled or have a fluid flowing through it. Theelectrochemical heat transfer system may be configured as a heatingdevice, wherein the heat exchanger is coupled with a metal hydridereservoir that is absorbing hydrogen and thereby releasing heat. Theelectrochemical heat transfer system may be configured as a coolingdevice, wherein the heat exchanger is coupled with a metal hydridereservoir that is desorbing hydrogen and thereby conducting heat. Theelectrochemical heat transfer system may be configured as a heating andcooling device, wherein the heat exchangers of the absorbing anddesorbing metal hydride reservoirs are in thermal communication with anobject or volume of air to be heated and cooled, respectively. Theabsorption of hydrogen gas into suitable metal alloy leads to theexothermic formation of a metal hydride, producing useful heat as shownin FIG. 1. The endothermic desorption of hydrogen gas is reversible,requiring about as much heat as that released by absorption, whichthereby produces useful cooling, as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, two separate electrochemical compressors 40, 50, orhydrogen compressors are configured in a closed loop between a firstmetal hydride reservoir 40 and a second metal hydride reservoir 50.Conduits 27-27′″ couple the components of the system and enable hydrogento flow between the electrochemical compressors and the metal hydridereservoirs. A series of valves 26-26′″ are controlled by the controllerand are opened and closed to enable hydrogen flow as required. Thecontroller also controls the electrochemical compressors, wherein thevoltage and/or current is controlled to produce a flow of hydrogenacross the membrane electrode assembly 13. The first metal hydridereservoir 40 is desorbing hydrogen to the first electrochemicalcompressor 12 and therefore conducting heat, or is the cool reservoir.The second metal hydride reservoir 50 is absorbing hydrogen from thefirst electrochemical compressor 12 and is releasing heat, or is the hotside. Valves 26 and 26′ are open during this process and valves 26″ and26′″ are closed. After the hydrogen has been pumped from the first metalhydride reservoir 40 to the second metal hydride reservoir 50, thevalves 26″ and 26′″ may opened and vales 26 and 26′ may be closed toallow the hydrogen, now in the second metal hydride reservoir 50 to bepumped to the first metal hydride reservoir 40 by the secondelectrochemical compressor 12′. Each of the metal hydride reservoirscontains a volume of metal hydride 52.

A polarization curve utilizing the membrane in hydrogen compression modeis show in FIG. 4. The performance of the ECC-driven heat pump systemwill vary depending on the specific metal hydride composition. LaNi5 hasbeen used for heat pumping in the past. Preferably a LaNi(4.7) Al(0.3)has been shown to operate with a better pressure ratio that is bettersuited for electrochemical compression, wherein there may be a lowpressure requirement of 7 psi and high pressure requirement of 28 psi.This pressure range is well suited for domestic hot water applications.For enhanced heat transfer from the packed bed, a metal hydridereservoir may have a tubular geometry with an aspect ratio, cylinderheight to diameter, of at least 5, or at least 10, so as to minimizeradial thermal gradients in the packed hydride bed. Heat transfer withinthe packed bed will be augmented by adding thermal-conductivityenhancing materials such as aluminum foam in order to overcome the metalhydride's low thermal conductivity. A thermally conductive material ornetwork may be configured within the metal hydride reservoir. Effectiveheat transfer to and from the metal hydride packed bed governs its rateof hydrogen charging and discharging, which in turn governs the abilityof the electrochemical compressor to drive or pump hydrogen andtherefore the overall heat transfer rates. The quicker heat and beconducted and released, the higher the heat transfer rate to a heatexchanger or to an object.

FIG. 5 shows a graph of some of the properties of the TPS films. Thegraph shows the phosphoric acid (PPA) concentration as a function ofincreasing temperature. The TPS functions well with very low moisturecontent at high temperatures.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic of an electrochemical cell of anelectrochemical pump. The electrochemical compressor 12 comprises amembrane electrode assembly 13 comprising an anode 30, a cathode 32 andan ionomer layer 34 configured there between. The ionomer layer 34 maybe a proton exchange polymer 31 or a composite ionomer membranecomprising a proton exchange polymer, for example. The pressure on theanode side 35 will be less than the pressure on the cathode side 36 ofthe membrane electrode assembly, as the compressor is pumping hydrogenfrom the anode side to the cathode side. The pump is driven by a powersource 28 that is electrically connected to the anode and cathode todrive the reactions provided in FIG. 5. The electrochemical compressor12, or hydrogen pump 15, is configured with an inlet 22 and outlet 24. Aconduit 27 extends from the inlet to a first metal hydride portion thatis desorbing hydrogen and conducting heat, and conduit 27′ extends fromthe outlet to a second metal hydride portion that is absorbing hydrogenand releasing heat.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary metal hydride electrochemical heat transferdevice 10 that comprises an electrochemical hydrogen compressor 12. Theelectrochemical compressor 12 pumps hydrogen from an anode side 35, andfrom a first metal hydride reservoir 40 across the membrane electrodeassembly 13 to the cathode side 36 and into a second metal hydridereservoir 50 such as a tank or enclosure for the metal hydride formingalloy 53 material. The metal hydride 52 material may be a packed bed ora monolith for example. The metal hydride reservoir may comprise anadditive 51 such as fluoropolymer, silica or metal such as copper, toaid in expansion and contraction of the metal hydride. The compressormay be reversed, wherein the controller 90 changes the potential of thepower supply 28 to switch the anode to the cathode the cathode to theanode. In this way, hydrogen can be pumped back and forth between thetwo metal hydride reservoirs. Heat transfer devices 47, 57 are coupledto the metal hydride portion 40, 50′ respectively. The heat transferdevice may transfer heat to and/or from the metal hydride reservoir toan article or to the air or environment. A heat transfer device maycomprise fins, a conduit for a flow of a heat transfer fluid, aconducting plate, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 8 through 10, an ionomer layer 34 is a compositeionomer membrane 66 having a reinforcing material 62. The reinforcingmaterial 62, such as a membrane or discrete reinforcing elements orfibers, may be configured within the ionomer 60, wherein the ionomer isexposed on either side of the reinforcing material, as shown in FIG. 7.In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing material is configured toone side of the composite ionomer membrane 66, as shown in FIG. 8. Inanother embodiment, the reinforcing material 62 extends through thethickness 65 of the composite ionomer membrane 66, wherein there issubstantially no ionomer layer on the top or bottom surface, as shown inFIG. 9. The composite ionomer membrane may be very thin to enable quicktransfer of hydrogen and therefor a higher heating flux rate. Thecomposite ionomer membrane may be about 30 μm or less, about 25 μm orless, about 20 μm or less, about 15 μm or less, about 10 μm or less,about 5 μm or less. The ionomer 60 interpenetrates the reinforcingmaterial 62. The ionomer and/or the composite ionomer may have anadditive 68, to improve performance such as silica or other desiccantparticles, or reinforcing materials, as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 11, an exemplary electrochemical heat transfer device10 comprises desiccation units 48 and 58 configured between the metalhydride portion 40 and 50 and the electrochemical compressor 12,respectively. The first metal hydride reservoir 40 is coupled to thedesiccation unit by conduit 27 and a desiccation valve 49 can be openedto flow hydrogen into the desiccation unit 48, or bypass it. Likewise,the second metal hydride reservoir 50 is coupled to the desiccation unitby conduit 27′ and a desiccation valve 59 can be opened to flow hydrogeninto the desiccation unit 58, or bypass it. The desiccation valves maybe used to force a flow of hydrogen through the desiccation unit asneeded. A humidity sensor 85 may monitor the humidity level and acontrol system 90 may open and close the valve to the desiccation unitas a function of the humidity level measures, whereby it opens the valvefor gas desiccation when the humidity exceeds a threshold value, such as1% or more, or 2% or more, or 5% or more. A heat exchanger 47 is coupledwith the first metal hydride reservoir 40 to conduct heat into the metalhydride 42 and a heat exchanger 57 is coupled with the second metalhydride reservoir 50 to conduct heat from the metal hydride 52, asindicated by the bold arrows.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a metal hydride reservoir 40 comprises atube 79 having an interior mandrel 77 for distributing the hydrogen gas11 to the metal hydride forming alloy 43. The mandrel 77 provides anopen conduit to distribute the hydrogen gas down along the tube and intothe metal hydride forming alloy configured between the mandrel and theinterior wall of the tube. A tube may be circular in cross-sectionalshape, as shown or take any other suitable cross-sectional shape, suchas polygonal, square, rectangular irregular and the like. A large aspectratio, length 78 of the tube to outer diameter 75 of the tube may belarge, such as greater then 5, and preferably greater than 10, toprovide quick transfer of hydrogen to the metal hydride and to enablequick heat transfer rates.

FIG. 14 shows exemplary isotherms of metal hydrides wherein theabsorption pressure is higher than the desorption pressure. There is alinear region for the absorption and desorption.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 an exemplary electrochemical heat transferdevice 10 comprises a single electrochemical compressor 12 and a closedloop system that transfers hydrogen from a plurality of metal hydridereservoirs 40, 50, to a hydrogen reservoir 69 which may be a desiccantunit 69. As shown in FIG. 15, the electrochemical compressor 12 ispumping hydrogen from the desiccant unit 69 to the two metal hydridereservoirs 40, 50 and valves 26″ and 26′″ are closed. As shown in FIG.16, the electrochemical compressor 12 is pumping hydrogen from the twometal hydride reservoirs 40, 50 to the desiccant unit 69 and valves 26and 26′ are closed. A heat transfer device 47, 57 is in thermalcommunication with first and second metal hydride reservoirs 40, 50,respectively. The heat exchangers may engage and disengage in thermalcommunication with the metal hydride reservoirs depending on theapplication. For example, when the exemplary electrochemical heattransfer device 10 is configured as a heater, the heat transfer devicesmay be in thermal communication with the metal hydride reservoirs duringabsorption of hydrogen, as shown in FIG. 15 and detached when desorbinghydrogen, as shown in FIG. 16. The desiccant unit may be mosteffectively configured between the electrochemical compressor and thehydride reservoir, or just before a hydride reservoir.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, an exemplary electrochemical heat transferdevice 10 is configured to pump hydrogen from a first metal hydridereservoir 40 to a second metal hydride reservoir 50 and vice versa. Asshown in FIG. 17, the first metal hydride reservoir is receiving andabsorbing hydrogen that is pumped by the electrochemical compressor 12from the second metal hydride reservoir 50. As shown in FIG. 18, thesecond metal hydride reservoir 50 is receiving hydrogen that is pumpedby the electrochemical compressor 12 from the first metal hydridereservoir. The hydrogen goes through a desiccant unit 69 during thisstep. It is to be understood that a desiccant unit may be configured onboth portion of the loop. Also, a bypass conduit 96 may extend aroundthe desiccant to allow the hydrogen to bypass the desiccant unit. Adesiccant bypass valve 95 may open to allow the working fluid to bypassan desiccant unit 69.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the conduits 27 forms a closed loop withthe two metal hydride reservoirs 40, 50, coupled to the loop. An outletportion conduit 94 couples the metal hydride reservoirs 40 and 50 on theoutlet side of the electrochemical compressor and an inlet portionconduit 92 couples the metal hydride reservoirs 40 and 50 on the inletside of the electrochemical compressor. There is a first outlet portionvalve 26 configured between the electrochemical hydrogen compressor andthe first reservoir 40 on the outlet portion conduit 94 of the closedloop. There is a second outlet portion valve 26′ configured between theelectrochemical hydrogen compressor 12 and the second reservoir 50 onthe outlet portion of the closed loop. There is a first inlet portionvalve 26′″ configured between the electrochemical hydrogen compressor 12and the first reservoir 40 on the inlet portion 92 of the closed loop.There is a second inlet portion valve 26″ configured between the firstelectrochemical hydrogen compressor 12 and the second reservoir 50 onthe inlet portion 92 of the closed loop. This configuration, with theelectrochemical compressor coupled to the closed loop, with the outletof the compressor coupled to the outlet portion 94 of the closed loopand between valves 26 and 26′ and coupled to the inlet portion 92 of theclosed loop and between valves 26″ and 26′″, enables working fluid to bepumped in one direction and cycled from metal hydride reservoirs byopening and closing the valves as shown. This unique plumpingconfiguration and method of opening valves enables streamline operationof the heat transfer system.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary metal hydride heat exchanger 67 having ametal hydride reservoir 40 and a heat exchange device 47. The metalhydride reservoir is a tube 79 that contains a metal hydride 43. Theheat exchanger device 47 comprises a heat transfer conduit 76 that iscoiled around the tube, or cylinder and a heat transfer fluid 82 passesthrough the conduit. The heat transfer device 47 also comprises a heattransfer conduit 83′ that is in direct communication with the metalhydride. As shown, the heat transfer conduit 83′ passes through thecylinder or tube, wherein the conduit is in direct contact with themetal hydride 43. The interior heat transfer conduit 76′ may be coiledaround the interior of the cylinder to increase thermal conductivity.The heat transfer fluid may be a gas, or a liquid, such as water. Anysuitable type of heat exchange fluid may be configured to flow throughsecondary loop as described herein.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary electrochemical compressor 12 having sideports, or channels 71 for receiving hydrogen 11. Metal hydridereservoirs 40, and 50 are configured on the anode and cathode sides ofthe membrane electrode assembly 13. Hydrogen flows through the channelsand into and out of the metal hydride 42, 52. The hydrogen then flowsfrom the anode side 35 to the cathode side 36. Note that the narrow andlong with side porting increase the distribution rate of hydrogen to themetal hydride reservoir and therefore increases heat transfer rates. Inaddition, this type of side porting reduces pressure drop of hydrogeninto and out of the electrochemical cell. The hydrogen has to pass fromthe channels 71 through the gas diffusion media 37 to the electrode,anode or cathode. This quick distribution of hydrogen to the membraneelectrode assembly can also increase current density, as the fuel is notlimiting. As shown in FIG. 20, heat exchange conduits 76, 76′ extendthrough the electrochemical cell, and are in direct physical contactwith the metal hydride reservoirs, 40, 50 respectively. A heat exchangefluid may flow though the conduit to exchange heat with the metalhydride 52. In another embodiment, instead of heat exchange conduits, aheat exchange element may extend through the cell and be in contact withthe metal hydride reservoir and extend out from the cell to act as heatconductors, or fins. Air flowing over the extended fins, may carry heatto or from the electrochemical cell.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary integrated electrochemical compressor andmetal hydride heat exchanger 17. As shown, the electrochemical cell 16is configured between heat exchange conduits 76, 76. As described hereinany number of electrochemical cells may be configured in series in theheat exchanger. The bipolar plate 70, or plate with channels 71configured to distribute a working fluid, i.e. hydrogen, over thesurface of the gas diffusion media 37 is in thermal communication withthe heat exchange conduits 76. A current collector 38 is shown being inelectrical contact with the gas diffusion media 37 and the bipolar plate70. A bipolar plate may have a serpentine channel or a series ofchannels that are coupled together to a common channel or inlet. Asshown in FIG. 22 a metal hydride 42 that is coupled to, configured in,on is an integral part of the bipolar plat 70. The bipolar platecomprises a metal hydride bed 74 that forms the metal hydride reservoir40, and may be a recessed region in the bipolar plate. The metal hydridein a bipolar plate is in fluid communication with the channels orconduits of the bipolar plate and thereby can produce heat uponabsorption of the working fluid, hydrogen. The heat exchange conduits76, 76′ enable a heat transfer fluid 82 to carry heat generate by themetal hydride away from the electrochemical cell. As shown in FIG. 22, aheat exchange port 72 may be configured through the bipolar plate toallow a heat transfer fluid to pass therethrough. FIG. 22 also shows afuel port 73, for supplying hydrogen to the electrochemical cell 16.

Referring now to FIG. 23, an exemplary integrated electrochemicalcompressor and metal hydride heat exchanger 17 has a heat transfer fluidconduit 76 in thermal communication with the metal hydride reservoir 40.A first heat exchange conduit 76 may extend on the anode side of thecell and a second conduit may extend only on the cathode side of thecell stack 20 and a second heat exchange conduit 76 may extend on thecathode side of the cell. A heat conduit may extend over a plurality ofthe electrochemical cells 16, or down over the electrochemical stack.One heat exchange conduit may extend over the cells that are absorbinghydrogen and releasing heat, while the other may extend over, or be inthermal communication, with the cells that are desorbing hydrogen andconducting heat. A heat exchange conduit may extend from one side of acell, the anode side, to a cathode side, especially when there are twoor more cells, or a cell stack 20. Since the metal hydride reservoirsalternate between hot and cold, it is possible that a bipolar platecould be hot on one side and cold on another. It is therefore preferablefor adjacent cells to alternate in polarity so that two hot sides, ortwo cathodes, are always adjacent to each other and the bipolar plate,as show in FIG. 24. Also, it is preferable that the plumbing of the heatexchange fluid alternate between adjacent cells so that it can draw thecool and hot side thermal transfers separately.

As shown in FIG. 24, two electrochemical cells 16, 16′ are configured ina cell stack 20, wherein the two cathodes 32, 32′, are configuredadjacent each other with a heat exchange conduit 76 extendingtherebetween. The anodes 30, 30′ are configured on the outside of thecell stack 20 and they may have another anode facing each of them. Thisalternating configuration simplifies plumbing and puts the exothermicsides of adjacent cells, the cathodes, adjacent each other and theendothermic sides, the anodes, adjacent each other.

FIG. 25 shows a diagram of an exemplary simplified end plate 89 for anexemplary electrochemical heat transfer device. A user may only need toconnect a hot and cold heat exchanger to the heat exchange ports 72.There may be an inlet and outlet 72, 72′ and 72″, 72′″, respectively,for a hot and cold heat exchange fluid. A user may also connect andhydrogen source to the hydrogen feed port 73. As shown in FIG. 24, twoheat exchanger connections are configured on a single end plate, onehot, 72, 72′ for the inlet and outlet, and one cold, 72″, 72′″, for theinlet and outlet. A first heat exchanger connection provides flow of aheat exchanger fluid that carries heat from the electrochemical cell andsecond heat exchanger connection provides flow of a heat exchanger fluidthat carries heat to the electrochemical cell. Cells can be back ported,side ported or ported internally. In addition, the end plate could bedesigned so that from the users' perspective they only have to connect aplug and the hot and cold lines to protruding fittings; with allcontrols etc. embedded in the plate.

Metal Hydrides used within these configurations can be tailored forspecific end uses, however, as an illustration, for heating water(hybrid hot water systems), La Ni4.7Sn0.3 maybe employed with a lowtemperature portion (TL) of 25 C, and a high temperature portion (TH) of80 C; and a PL 0.31 Atm, and PH 3.03 (i.e. a compression ratio of 10×roughly for maximum thermal exchange). And also as an illustration, forCooling applications such as HVAC, or Freezers, TiCr or VTi combinationssuch as Ti0.9Zr0.2CrMn may be employed with TL-20 C, TH 50 PL3.95PH49.69 (i.e. a compression ratio of 10× roughly for maximum thermalexchange).

Also, to improve thermal exchange, the metal hydride beds could be madevery thin, and designed for high surface area availability in wave likepatterns, or pressed into plates that already have good thermal exchangedesigns configured on their surfaces. Those skilled in the artunderstand this method, and variations of this art are well establishedthat can increase absorption rates and improve thermal transfer.

In order to minimize thermal bleed, it may be useful to separate metalhydride chambers being cycled as far as possible from each other. In theillustration above, the hydride beds are placed at opposite ends of thestack, or within the bipolar plate. However, plumbing could be adjustedto place the hydride chambers on each side of the stack (i.e. throughthe length of the stack). If the compressor cells are made long and thin(as is useful for maximizing current density under low anode pressureconditions or for aesthetic properties), then the metal hydride chamberscan be place along the side of the stack—to create an essentially longand narrow system. This may have utility in certain installations. Itwould be the equivalent of for example flat screen TV's versus old tubestyle TV sets. Thus we are claiming stacks that are designed with cellsthat are longer in one dimension than another (i.e. long and narrow),and the placement of flat hydride systems adjacent to the stack so thatthe whole device is essentially long and narrow i.e. ‘flat’!

These systems have been tested in our labs for a number of applianceapplications, such as for example hybrid hot water heaters. The Metalhydride units get hot very quickly, and as a result do not suffer fromthe limitations of current heat pumps used in hot water systems thatheat up slowly, and require the use of additional heating capacity inthe form of resistance heaters. ECC driven metal hydride heat exchangerscan eliminate the resistance heaters in hot water systems.

Also, because ECC units run more efficiently at partial load, they canbe modulated to operate in a more efficient mode by intelligent use (andsignaling). This may be particularly useful when hot water systems areused for thermal storage for utility load management (demandresponsiveness). Units can be controlled remotely, and be integratedinto communication protocols common with ‘smart homes’ and ‘smartgrids’. We are claiming integration of these units into such systems.And intelligent operation of these systems with these systems at partialload.

Depending on the membrane employed in the ECC, and the metal hydrideheat exchange system engaged, it may be necessary to strategically placeheaters within the system to pre-heat surfaces and enable operation i.e.ion exchange in high temperature membranes, or hydrogen release frommetal hydride systems. We are also therefore claiming the use of heatersin the system.

Separately, it has been well established that the Nernst Equation can bea source of power generation when there is a pressure difference acrossan ion exchange medium. Hydrogen pressure can be generated by heatingthe metal hydride (with bound Hydrogen) and power generated—byessentially running the unit in reverse. This may be a useful feature ofthis technology, and useable in emergency situations. This may also beconnected to the smart home or smart grid management systems.

Electrochemical Compression Devices can be constructed in differentways. In one embodiment, a nickel metal hydride battery system ismodified to include a metal hydride system that is suitable for heatpumping applications. This may for example include a metal hydridecomponent customized to the application in hand, but for this preferredembodiment compound 18 i.e. a MmNi4.85Fe0.85 powder is engaged withadditives to aid production and long-term performance (such as ptfedispersion, carbon black). The metal hydride is charged with hydrogenfor heating, and the resulting heat is withdrawn by the air passage onthe metal hydride heat exchanger. The unit is then allowed to returnback to room temperature and the hydrogen is converted back to nickelhydroxide i.e. the other electrode reaction (as is typical in NickelMetal Hydride cells).

In another embodiment, two metal hydride heat exchangers are engagedwith a reversible electrochemical compressor between them. The metalhydride heat exchangers are then sequentially heated and cooled, andagain, air passes over those heat exchange surfaces sequentially to drawheat into the cabin.

The control system can be designed for the specific MetalHydride/Electrochemical compressor system engaged. Those skilled in theart can associate a control system to suit.

The International Journal Of Hydrogen Energy 39 (2014) page 5820, Table:1-Equilibrium Characteristics of the interaction of hydride-formingalloys suitable for H2 compression with H2 gas in plateau region, ishereby incorporated by reference herein, and provided as Table 1 andTable 2.

TABLE 1 Hydride Delta H, cal/mol DetaS, cal/mol-K mc, g/mole V0.95Cr0.05−8930 −33.3 109.8 V0.925Cr0.075 −8680 −33.4 128.3 V0.9Cr0.1 −7970 −32.0120.9 NiZr −7270 −17.1 112.0 V0.85Cr015 −7100 −30.0 347.3Mni4.5Al0.46Fe0.05 −7420 −26.5 290.0 LaNi5 −7380 −25.8 175.8Fe0.85Mn0.15Ti −7040 −25.6 220.0 PrNi5 −6940 −28.5 220.0 MNi4.5Al0.05−6700 −25.2 281.2 FeTi −6700 −25.3 242.2 NdNi5 −6650 −27.8 167.8MNi4.15FE0.85 −6000 −25.0 308.4 Zr(Fe0.75Cr0.25)2 −5920 −21.9 206.2Ca0.7M0.3Ni5 −6400 −24.0 168.8 Ca0.5M0.5Ni5 −6160 −24.8 168.8Ca0.4M0.6Ni5 −6040 −25.2 168.8 Ca0.2M0.8Ni5 −5800 −26.0 168.8Ce0.5La0.5Ni2.5Cu2.5 −5500 −20.7 393.0 CeNi5 −5300 −26.7 198.5CeNi4.5Al0.5 −5230 −220.0 220.1 MNi5 −5000 −23.1 203.1 ZrMn2Cu0.8 −6170−13.8 175.0 ZrMn3.8 −4710 −14.7 200.0 ZrMn2.8 −4400 −12.5 200.0Zr0.8Ti0.2MnFe −2660 −9.4 175.0

TABLE 2 Alloy Used Type Mass (kg) Capacity (kW) COP LaNi5/MmNi4.15Fe0.85R 3.6 0.6 — LaNi4.7Al0.3/MmNi4.15Fe0.85 R 3.6 0.6 —LaNi4.7Al0.3/LaNi4.85Al0.15 R 90 — 0.42 LaNi4.65Al0.35/MmNi4Fe R 40 1.75— LaNi4.65Al0.35/MmNi4Fe R 40 1.3 0.3 LaNi4.7Al0.3/MmNi4.15Fe0.85 R 9022.8 — LaNi5/LaNi4.7Al0.3 HP 20 0.6 — LaNi4.7Al0.3/MmNi4.65Fe0.35 HP 1 —— MmNiMnAl/MmNiMnCo HP 64 3 — MmNi4.4Mn0.5Al0.05Co0.05 R 48 4.6 —MmNi4.7Mn0.15Lm0.95Ni5 LaNi4.5Al0.5/(CFM)Ni5 R 2.6 — 0.33Zr0.9Ti0.1Cr0.9Fe1.1/Zr0.9Ti0.1Cr0.6Fe1.4 R 4.5 0.683 — Program controlR 1.5 0.1  0.2-0.4 LaNi4.7Al0.3/MmNi4.15Fe0.85 R — — —LaNi46Al0.3/MmNi4.85Fe0.15 HP 3 0.15-0.2 0.17-0.2 LaNi5 C 1 1.5 (150 s —cooling) Ca0.4Mm0.6NiS C 1 — LaNi4.6Al0.4 R 3 2.2 (150 s —MmNi4.15Fe0.85 cooling) Zr0.9Ti0.1Cr0.55Fe1.45 C 1 0.41 1.8

As shown in FIG. 26, a furnishing 100 incorporates a furnishingtemperature control system 110 employing an electrochemical heattransfer device 10, as described herein. In this exemplary embodiment, afirst reservoir 40 and a second reservoir 50 are configured within theseat 102, in this case a vehicle seat 102. A set of conduits 27 forms aclosed loop from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. Theelectrochemical heat transfer device may be any of those as describeherein including those shown in FIGS. 10, 15 to 18, and 20 to 25.

As shown in FIG. 27, a vehicle seat 104 has a first electrochemical heattransfer device 10 and a second electrochemical heat transfer device10′, each having a first reservoir 40 and a second reservoir 50. The twoheat transfer devices may control the temperature of the furnishing.Each of the electrochemical heat transfer devices has a heat exchanger47, 47′ for transferring of heat between the furnishing and thereservoir.

Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the seat controlmodule can comprise a hard-wired feedback control circuit, a dedicatedprocessor or any other control device that can be constructed forperforming the steps and functions described herein. In addition, thecontroller within the control module may be combined or divided intosubcomponents as deemed appropriate. For example, it may be advantageousto divide the control module into a first module for conditioning thebackrest portion and a second control module for conditioning the seatportion. In another embodiment, separate control modules may be providedfor the thermal elements and the fluid modules. In addition, it shouldbe appreciated that the control system represents only one exemplaryarrangement of a system for controlling the operation of the climatecontrol system. Those of skill in the art will recognize in light of thedisclosure herein various other configurations for the control system.In addition, one or more components of the control module may be locatedin various locations, such as, within one or both of the fluid modulesor in a separate location.

Various components are described as being “operatively connected” to thecontrol unit. It should be appreciated that this is a broad term thatincludes physical connections (e.g., electrical wires or hard wirecircuits) and non-physical connections (e.g., radio or infraredsignals). It should also be appreciated that “operatively connected”includes direct connections and indirect connections (e.g., throughadditional intermediate device(s)).

The control module optionally may also be configured to receive a signalfrom a vehicle control device that indicates whether the vehicle'signition has been turned on. In this manner, the seat control module maybe configured to allow operation of the system only if the vehicle'sengine is running.

In one embodiment, the thermal elements are activated to heat thesurfaces of the backrest portion and seat portion. While the thermalelements are activated, the fluid modules can provide a fluid flow tothe surfaces of the backrest portion and seat portion. The fluid may beunconditioned (e.g., not heated) and in such an embodiment the fluid canenhance the thermal elements by promoting convection of heat from thethermal elements to the surfaces of the backrest portion and seatportion. In another embodiment, while the electrochemical device(s) areactivated, the fluid modules provide heated air to the surfaces of thebackrest portion and seat portion. In this manner, the fluid modulessupplement and enhance the heating effect provided by the thermalelements. In yet another embodiment, the thermal elements are usedduring a first or initial period of time to heat the surfaces of thebackrest portion and seat portion largely through conduction. After thefirst or initial period of time, the fluid modules can provideconditioned or un-conditioned air to the surfaces of the backrestportion and seat portion.

The above described embodiments have several advantages. For example, inparticularly cold conditions, it may take a long period of time to heatnoticeably the seat assembly using heated air provided by the fluidmodules alone. In the above described embodiment, because the thermalelements are positioned near the surfaces of the backrest portion andseat portion, they can provide immediate heat via conduction that can besensed by the occupant of the seat assembly. The air provided throughthe distribution system can enhance (e.g., through convection) orsupplement (e.g., by providing conditioned air) the heat provided by thethermal elements.

While various embodiments and modes of operation have been describedabove, it is anticipated that the different portions of the seatassembly (e.g., seat and backrest portions) may be controlled inmodified manners and/or controlled to different temperature settings.

In this embodiment, the heating elements are positioned generally withinor proximate to the distribution passages as formed by the channelsand/or through passages, which are used to transport air through theseat assembly. In addition, the distribution system of this embodimentdoes not include an insert. However, as mentioned above, it should beappreciated that certain components and features of the distributionsystems for the seat and cushion portions may be exchanged and/orcombined. For example, the seat portion may include an insert and/or thethermal elements can be positioned within the scrim. In addition, itshould be appreciated that in a modified embodiment one or more thermalelements (not shown) can be provided near or adjacent the top surface ofthe seat. In such an embodiment, the thermal elements can be providedwithin the scrim.

Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments hasshown, described, and pointed out certain novel features, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated, as well as the usesthereof, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing fromthe spirit of this disclosure. Consequently, the scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by the foregoing discussion, which isintended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations and variations can be made in the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Specific embodiments, features and elements described herein may bemodified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intendedthat the present invention cover the modifications, combinations andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A furnishing temperature control system employingan electrochemical heat transfer device comprising: a) a furnishing; b)a controller; c) a working fluid comprising hydrogen; d) a firstelectrochemical hydrogen compressor comprising: i) an anode; ii) acathode; iii) a proton exchange membrane; iv) a power supply coupled tothe anode and cathode to create an electrical potential across the anodeand cathode to transfer the hydrogen across the proton exchange membranefrom the anode to the cathode; e) a first reservoir comprising metalhydride forming alloy; f) a first heat transfer device coupled to saidfirst reservoir and coupled to said furnishing; g) a second reservoircomprising a metal hydride forming alloy, h) a second electrochemicalhydrogen compressor; i) a second heat exchange device coupled to thesaid second reservoir; i) set of conduits to fluidly connecting thefirst electrochemical hydrogen compressor with the first heat transferdevice the second heat transfer device; wherein the set of conduitsforms a closed loop of conduits coupling the first reservoir with thefirst and second electrochemical hydrogen compressors and the secondreservoir with the first and second electrochemical hydrogen compressor;wherein the working fluid is configured to flow from the first reservoirthrough the first electrochemical hydrogen compressor to the secondreservoir and subsequently from the second reservoir though the secondelectrochemical hydrogen compressor back to the first reservoir; whereinthe electrochemical hydrogen compressor transfers hydrogen from saidfirst reservoir to the second reservoir and wherein hydrogen is desorbedfrom the metal hydride in said first reservoir and wherein hydrogen isabsorbed by the metal hydride in said second reservoir; k) a desiccantunit that is coupled with the set of conduits to receive the workingfluid and remove moisture, said desiccant unit comprising: a desiccant;a desiccant bypass valve; wherein when the desiccant bypass valve isopen, the working fluid bypasses the desiccant unit, and wherein whenthe desiccant bypass valve is closed, the working fluid enters into thedesiccant unit from the closed loop of conduits to remove moisture fromthe working fluid; wherein heat is transferred between the first heatexchange device and said first reservoir and wherein heat is transferredbetween the second reservoir and the second heat exchange device;wherein at least one of the first or second reservoirs comprise adesiccant; and wherein the electrochemical heat transfer device controlsa temperature of a furnishing.
 2. The furnishing temperature controlsystem employing the electrochemical heat transfer device of claim 1,wherein the controller switches the electrical potential of the powersource to switch the anode to the cathode and the cathode to the anode,wherein the electrochemical hydrogen compressor transfers hydrogen tosaid first reservoir and wherein hydrogen is absorbed to the metalhydride and heat is transferred from said first reservoir to the heatexchange device and wherein heat is transferred from the heat exchangerto the furnishing and wherein the electrochemical heat transfer deviceis a heating device and heats the furnishing.
 3. The furnishingtemperature control system employing the electrochemical heat transferdevice of claim 1, wherein the controller switches the electricalpotential of the power source to switch the anode to the cathode and thecathode to the anode, wherein the electrochemical hydrogen compressortransfers hydrogen from said first reservoir and wherein hydrogen isdesorbed from the metal hydride and heat is transferred from the heatexchange device to said first reservoir; and wherein heat is transferredfrom the furnishing to the heat exchanger and wherein theelectrochemical heat transfer device is a cooling device and cools thefurnishing.
 4. The furnishing temperature control system employing theelectrochemical heat transfer device of claim 3, wherein the controllerswitches the electrical potential of the power source to switch theanode to the cathode and the cathode to the anode, wherein theelectrochemical hydrogen compressor transfers hydrogen to said firstreservoir and wherein hydrogen is absorbed to the metal hydride and heatis transferred from said first reservoir to the heat exchange device andwherein heat is transferred from the heat exchanger to the furnishingand wherein the electrochemical heat transfer device is a heating deviceand a cooling device and both heats and cools the furnishing.
 5. Thefurnishing temperature control system employing the electrochemical heattransfer device of claim 1, wherein the working fluid consistsessentially of hydrogen.
 6. The furnishing temperature control systememploying the electrochemical heat transfer device of claim 1, whereinthe proton exchange membrane comprises per-fluorosulfonic acid.
 7. Thefurnishing temperature control system employing the electrochemical heattransfer device of claim 1, wherein the proton exchange membranecomprises a desiccant.
 8. The furnishing temperature control systememploying the electrochemical heat transfer device of claim 1, whereinthe heat transfer device comprises a heat exchange conduit and wherein aheat transfer fluid flows through said heat exchange conduit.
 9. Thefurnishing temperature control system employing the electrochemical heattransfer device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first or secondreservoirs comprise a desiccant.
 10. The furnishing temperature controlsystem employing the electrochemical heat transfer device of claim 1,wherein the working fluid is configured to flow from the first reservoirthrough the first electrochemical hydrogen compressor to the secondreservoir and subsequently from the second reservoir though the secondelectrochemical hydrogen compressor back to the first reservoir.
 11. Thefurnishing temperature control system employing the electrochemical heattransfer device of claim 1, comprising: a) wherein the closed loop ofconduits has an outlet portion of the closed loop and an inlet portionof the closed loop; i) wherein the outlet portion of the closed loop isfluidly coupled with the cathode of the first electrochemical hydrogencompressor, and with the first and second electrochemical hydrogencompressor; ii) wherein the inlet portion of the closed loop is fluidlycoupled with the anode of the first electrochemical hydrogen compressor,b) a plurality, of valves in the closed loop of conduits wherein thereis a valve between the first electrochemical hydrogen compressor and thefirst and second reservoirs on both the outlet portion and inletportion; i) wherein a first outlet portion valve is configured betweenthe first electrochemical hydrogen compressor and the first reservoir onthe outlet portion of the closed loop; ii) wherein a second outletportion valve is configured between the first electrochemical hydrogencompressor and the second reservoir on the outlet portion of the closedloop; iii) wherein a first inlet portion valve is configured between thefirst electrochemical hydrogen compressor and the first reservoir on theinlet portion of the closed loop; iv) wherein a second inlet portionvalve is configured between the first electrochemical hydrogencompressor and the second reservoir on the inlet portion of the closedloop; wherein the working fluid is configured to flow from the firstreservoir through the first electrochemical hydrogen compressor to thesecond reservoir and subsequently from the second reservoir though thefirst electrochemical hydrogen compressor back to the first reservoir.12. The furnishing temperature control system of claim 11, wherein thefurnishing is a seat and wherein the heat transfer device comprises aheat transfer conduit in thermal communication with the first reservoirand wherein a heat transfer fluid flows through the heat transferconduit to transfer heat from the first reservoir to the seat.
 13. Thefurnishing temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the protonexchange membrane comprises phosphoric acid-functionalizedpolybenzimidazole/polytetrafluoroethylene.
 14. The furnishingtemperature control system of claim 1, wherein the metal hydride formingalloy comprises a packed bed of metal hydride forming alloy.
 15. Thefurnishing temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the furnishingis a seat.
 16. The furnishing temperature control system of claim 15,wherein the furnishing is a vehicle seat.
 17. The furnishing temperaturecontrol system of claim 15, wherein the furnishing is a vehicle seat andwherein the heat transfer device comprises a heat transfer conduit inthermal communication with the first reservoir and wherein a heattransfer fluid flows through the heat transfer conduit to transfer heatfrom the first reservoir to the vehicle seat.